JP4934141B2 - Connection system and squib connector therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a squib holder for holding a squib for supplying electric energy to the squib to operate an air bag system or the like, a squib connector for coupling to a header connector, and a corresponding connection system.

  Normally, when the squib connector is not completely coupled to the complementary squib holder and is not completely connected to the squib holder, the shunt means mounted in the squib holder, i.e., the short-circuit means, serves as an electrical protection for the squib holder. The contact terminals must be short-circuited. Only when the squib connector is fully coupled to the squib holder and the contact terminal of the squib connector is fully connected to the contact terminal of the squib (for example, to accommodate the electrical energy supplied by the squib connector controlled by the control system) The shunt is deactivated due to the operation of the squib operation circuit.

  Therefore, a very practical connection system must be guaranteed, especially when such a connector assembly is used in an airbag system. That is, the complete connection between the squib connector and the squib holder connector must be very reliable, while handling the connections during assembly and disassembly must be very easy.

  For example, various connection systems are known for coupling a squib connector and a squib holder connector using first and second locking means to enable a reliable state. In these cases, first, in the first coupling stage, the squib connector and the squib holder connector are integrated in a temporary coupling state, that is, a coupling state that is not completely fixed. Next, in the second coupling stage, the second locking means must be actuated in a position where a complete and secure coupling state is achieved, whereby the first locking means is It is fixed in the locked position by the operation of. That is, a two-stage coupling process must be performed by using the first and second locking means. Furthermore, when disassembling both connectors, a two-stage separation process must be performed.

  There is also known a locking means that can be inserted into a fixed position only after the squib connector and the squib holder are completely connected, but in this state, the squib connector and the squib holder are not yet fixed. Thus, similarly, a two-stage coupling process and a two-stage separation process must be performed.

  Even if a connection system is provided to securely connect the squib connector and the squib holder connector by a one-step coupling process using only one locking means, disassembly is very difficult at this stage. Or impossible.

  Also, with respect to the shunt means, various complexities are required to ensure that the shunt is deactivated for the operation of the squib actuation circuit only when the squib connector is fully and securely coupled to the squib holder connector. The structure is known.

  Thus, although a plurality of squib connectors and connection systems for coupling such squib connectors with squib holder connectors are known, there are many further problems and drawbacks.

  The main objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method for easily and securely coupling and separating squib connectors and squib holders.

  The solution according to the invention is achieved by a connection system and a squib connector having the features of claims 1-15.

  Preferred and / or advantageous embodiments and improvements, in particular embodiments and improvements for achieving further objects, are described in the remaining claims.

  Accordingly, the present invention is a connection system between a squib connector and a complementary squib holder, comprising one locking means and one separating means, said locking means comprising a squib connector and a squib holder. Separation for separating the squib connector and the squib holder from being automatically actuated by being integrated and configured to automatically and securely lock the squib connector and the squib holder in a completely coupled state. A connection system is proposed which is configured to be deactivated by selective activation of the means.

  By using a squib connector pre-configured for use in such a connection system, the squib connector and squib holder are integrated to securely lock the squib connector and squib holder in a fully coupled state. There is no need for an assembly step other than the above, and only a one-step coupling process needs to be performed, which is simple. Furthermore, since the locking means is automatically deactivated only by separating the squib connector and the squib holder using a specific separating means, the separation in one stage is also ensured. It is also possible to prevent undesired or unintentional separation between the squib connector and the squib holder, that is, separation without selective activation of the separation means.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide reliable activation and deactivation of the shunt mounted in the squib holder so as to short-circuit or not short-circuit the electrical contact terminals provided in the squib holder.

  The purpose is to deactivate the shunt means of the squib holder in the non-shorted position only when the separating means and the locking means are in a state where the locking means is securely locked and the separating means is inactive. This is achieved by constructing an interactive relationship. As a result, due to such an interactive relationship, the shunt means is always in the short-circuit position when the squib connector and squib holder are not in a fully coupled operating state, and inactive in such a coupled operating state. Guaranteed to be done.

  In order to further improve the certainty that the short circuit is automatically activated when a one-step separation process is started, according to a highly preferred improvement, the separation means and the shunt means are Immediately after operation, the shunt means is configured to move from the non-short-circuit position to the short-circuit position.

  Thus, the shunt is deactivated only in the fully coupled state and is activated as soon as the separation process is initiated.

  Furthermore, in order not to generate electrostatic discharge in the coupling and separation process, the present invention is a squib connector having at least one ground terminal, wherein the ground terminal is a contact terminal of the squib holder in the coupling process. The squib holder is connected to the shunt means of the squib holder, and the squib connector is connected to the shunt means while the squib connector and the squib holder are coupled to each other. A squib connector is proposed that is configured to be disconnected from the shunt means only after they are disconnected in the separation process.

  As a very advantageous embodiment, the present invention proposes the following connection system. That is, the squib connector of the connection system includes a housing that defines a coupling shaft, a coupling direction, and a coupling surface, and the locking unit includes at least one locking arm including a locking unit, Stop means are configured to engage with complementary locking means provided by a particular region of the squib holder in a direction perpendicular to the coupling axis, each of the lock arms being The lock is attached to the housing in a cantilever manner and extends in the coupling direction, and provides a restoring force so as to bend elastically by a force applied in a direction substantially opposite to the engagement direction of the locking means, and the lock Each of the arms is aligned with the squib holder region so as to axially abut against the squib holder region when integrated, and tilts between the squib holder region and the squib holder region. The abutment surface is defined to generate a force opposite to the engagement direction upon integration, and is at least partially released when the locking means and the complementary locking means are engaged in a fully coupled state. It is configured as follows.

  Therefore, the cantilevered lock arm whose free end extends in the coupling direction, and the lock arm locking means can be engaged with the complementary locking means in the unlocked state until the locking arm locking means can be engaged with the complementary locking means. By providing a lock arm that the free end must be biased against its own elastic recovery force, a reliable one-step coupling process can be carried out, and the lock arm is subjected to mechanical stress. A force back action is created while the squib connector is ejected if it is not fully locked.

  Preferably, the separating means is likewise supported in the housing and is movable axially from the first position to the second position in the direction opposite to the coupling direction from the outside of the housing, Between each of the lock arms and the separating means, a force in a direction opposite to the engaging direction is applied to the lock arm by moving the separating means from the first position to the second position. Complementary interaction cam means are provided for providing and releasing the locking arm locking means from the complementary locking means. In this way, the separating means is provided as an actuator in the housing which can be moved between the non-actuated position and the actuated position from the outside of the housing, and the cam part of the actuator is also provided when the actuator is actuated By urging the free end of the lock arm in the opposite direction, a very effective detachment mechanism is provided that can separate the squib connector from the squib holder connector.

  In order to always provide a defined interaction relationship, the complementary interaction cam means is preferably loosely engaged in the first position, i.e. inactive position, and in the second position, i.e. In the operating position, it is completely engaged.

  A very advantageous structural embodiment for avoiding unintentional or unintentional separation of the squib connector from the squib holder is the following connection system: the locking arm locking means and the complementary Each of the locking means is formed with surfaces configured to prevent axial separation, and each of these surfaces is flat and is substantially perpendicular to the coupling axis at least when interengaged. This is achieved by a connection system arranged in a plane.

  Preferably, each of the lock arm locking means and the complementary locking means is formed in a hook shape. Alternatively or additionally, each of the locking arm locking means can be formed at the free end of the locking arm in the form of a male that extends radially outward, It is configured to receive mechanical stress from the squib holder region and then be held by the complementary locking means having a female groove.

  According to a further improved embodiment, the present invention proposes the following connection system. The separating means has a separating arm corresponding to each of the locking arms, and the complementary interaction cam means is provided between each of the locking arms and the corresponding separating arm, Each of which is connected to a bar means, said bar means being substantially aligned with the outer surface of the squib connector opposite to the coupling surface in said first position and approaching for operation of the bar means And / or the separation means comprises shunt deactivation means, the shunt deactivation means being in the first position and in the fully coupled state. Sometimes it is configured to push the elastic shorting contact portion of the shunt means attached to the squib holder.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a function for preventing damage when coupling a squib connector to a squib holder connector.

  In view of this purpose, the coupling surface of the squib connector has a scoop-proof mating interface for a squib holder contact terminal that is electrically coupled to a corresponding complementary contact terminal of the squib connector. Is provided. Preferably, the coupling surface has a receptacle for each of the squib holder contact terminals, the receptacle being a hemispherical drifting insertion opening for guiding the squib holder contact terminal to the receptacle. That is, it has a kind of bullet nose shape.

  Based on the connection system of the present invention described above, the squib connector of the present invention is configured to ensure each advantage, but preferably it is cantilevered to the housing and extends in the coupling direction. A lock arm that provides a restoring force so as to bend elastically by a force applied substantially radially inward with respect to the coupling axis; and a separating means supported in the housing, Separating means movable in the axial direction from the first position to the second position in the direction opposite to the coupling direction from the outside with respect to the housing, and each of the lock arms has a locking means. The locking means securely engages with the complementary locking means of the squib holder in a substantially radially outward direction when the squib connector and the squib holder connector are completely coupled to each other. Each of the locking arms automatically receives a force applied radially inward by the integration of the squib connector and the squib holder, and at least partially opens in response to the fully coupled state. The lock arm locking means and the complementary locking means of the squib holder are automatically engaged with each other, and between each of the lock arms and the separating means, Complementary interaction cam means is provided, the complementary interaction cam means exerting a force directed radially inward when the separating means is moved from the first position to the second position. In addition to the lock arm, the lock arm locking means is removed in the fully coupled state.

  Each of the cam means is provided with a V-shaped notch formed in the separating means and a kind of wedge formed on the lock arm, and the V-shaped notch is opposite to the coupling direction. Advantageously, it is open in the direction and the apex of the wedge is oriented in the connecting direction. Preferably, the notch and the wedge are loosely engaged in the first position, and the wedge is displaced radially outward from the notch in the first position. Yes.

  According to a further improved embodiment of the squib connector of the present invention, each of the lock arms abuts in an axial direction against a squib holder region provided with the complementary locking means, the lock arm and the squib. At least one inclined abutting surface is formed between the holder region and the lock arm locking means. The lock arm locking means is configured to prevent axial separation during mutual engagement. A surface is formed, the surface being configured to provide a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the coupling axis, at least upon mutual engagement, and the separating means is attached to the complementary squib holder. In order to deactivate the elastic short-circuit contact portion of the shunt means, the short-circuit contact portion is pushed at least when the first position is in the fully coupled state. Preferably, the separating means has a separating arm corresponding to each of the locking arms, and the separating arm is configured to push the corresponding elastic short-circuit contact portion. The housing has a corresponding one of the protrusions, and the housing provides an anti-galling coupling surface for a squib holder contact terminal that is electrically coupled to a corresponding complementary squib connector contact terminal, preferably The coupling surface has a receptacle for each of the squib holder contact terminals, and the receptacle has a hemispherical drift insertion opening for guiding the squib holder contact terminal to the receptacle.

  Preferably, the squib connector is further sized and / or configured to be in permanent contact with the squib holder shunt means before the complementary contact terminals of the squib connector and squib holder are coupled together. And having at least one ground terminal. This prevents electrostatic discharge in the system that would ignite the ignition device.

  According to a further improvement, the squib connector of the present invention has sealing means incorporated into the connector to seal the interior. In order to achieve a fully sealed connector, the sealing means is at least one sealing gasket disposed in the housing and / or preferably a silicone gel injected or incorporated into the housing. Is particularly proposed. In addition, a circular gasket is attached to the housing mating surface for a face-to-face seal between the housing and the mating complementary squib holder.

  Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description based on the preferred exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the following description, preferred exemplary embodiments of the squib connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the squib connector of the present invention, showing a plurality of squib connector components prior to assembly.

  In each drawing, the entire squib connector is shown at 100 and the complementary squib holder or header connector that supports the squib is shown at 200.

  The squib connector 100 has a connector housing having an outer connector main housing 110 that in principle supports all other squib connector components and is covered with a cover 170. On the opposite side of the cover 170, the squib connector has a coupling surface and the connector main housing 110 provides a coupling opening for coupling the squib connector to a complementary squib holder, as can be seen in FIG. The entire squib connector 100 combined with the complementary squib holder connector 200 can be seen, for example, in FIG.

  In the following description, the side where the cover 170 is attached to the connector main housing 110 is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side, that is, the side where the coupling opening is provided is referred to as the lower side. The entire squib connector defines a coupling axis MA and a coupling direction MD from the upper side to the lower side, as indicated by broken line arrows in FIG.

  A face-to-face seal 120 surrounding the coupling opening is attached to the inside of the connector main housing 110 for sealing performance between the squib connector 100 and the complementary squib holder when they are coupled to each other. . The seal between the squib connector 100 and the complementary squib holder 200 is provided as a kind of socket connector and is provided by assembling the aforementioned face-to-face seal 120 in the connector main housing 110, for example, FIG. It can be seen from ~ 7. In FIG. 1, the face-to-face seal 120 is inserted into the connector main housing 110 from above. However, insertion from below is also possible.

  Preferably, another insert connector housing 130 is mounted within the connector main housing 110 to provide an application specific coupling interface. The insert connector housing 130 is formed with a through passage configured to receive the squib connector terminal 140.

According to this embodiment, the two contact terminals 141 of said squib connector terminals 140 is configured to electrically connect with complementary header contact terminal 400 of the squib holder, said squib connector terminals 140 One of the terminals 142 is configured as a ground terminal and is permanently electrically connected to squib holder shunt means (not shown) at least as long as both connectors are in a fully coupled state. The wire of the contact terminal 141 is engaged with the ferrite body 143. As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2, 10 a, 10 b, 11 a and 11 b, the ground terminal 142 is before the contact terminal 141 is connected to the complementary header contact terminal 400 (FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 11 a and 11 b) of the squib holder. And a specific length so that a permanent electrical connection can be provided between the ground terminal 142 and the corresponding shunt means, ie, the header ground terminal 350 (FIGS. 10a, 10b, 11a and 11b). And disposed on a coupling surface in the squib connector. This electrical connection does not cause an electrostatic discharge in the system that would cause ignition of the ignition device.

  Further, two elastic lock arms 134 extending in the coupling direction MD are formed laterally as part of the locking means on both opposing outer sides of the insert connector housing 130. Further, in the insert connector housing 130, two through passages 131 configured to penetrate the actuator arm 181 are formed in parallel to the coupling axis MA. Each passage 131 is aligned with one lock arm 134, and as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4-9, the actuator arm 181 passing through the passage 131 is slightly radially inward with respect to the corresponding lock arm 134. It is positioned so that the position shifts.

  In order to improve the inner sealing performance of the connector main housing 110, an inner seal gasket 160 is optionally disposed on the connector main housing 110 so as to cover the inserted terminal 140. Similarly, as can be seen from FIG. 2, a wire gasket 150 is fitted (fitted) around the terminal cable to securely seal the cable penetration, and is disposed in the cable opening of the connector main housing 110. Is done. Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 4 to 7, the inner seal gasket 160 has two through passages 161 aligned with the actuator arm through passage 131 of the insert connector housing 130 in the axial direction. Of the seal members, in particular, the wire gasket 150 and / or the inner seal gasket 160 can be replaced with, for example, a silicone gel connector filler. Furthermore, the connector main housing can be sealed using only a silicone gel seal, in particular using a highly viscous gel.

  After inserting each component to be accommodated, the cover 170 is attached to the connector main housing 110. The entire outer surface of the cover 170 and the connector main housing 110 defines the outer dimensions of the squib connector 100.

The cover 170 is formed with an opening 173 configured to receive the separating means including the actuator 180 configured to remove the squib connector 100 from the squib holder, that is, to separate.

  According to the embodiment described above, the actuator 180 is U-shaped and has two cantilever arms 181 spaced apart from each other. Each cantilever arm extends from both ends of the joint base 182. In a state where the actuator 180 is inserted into the cover opening 173 and the actuator 180 is assembled in the connector housing, the base 182 is supported in the opening 173 of the cover 170. The opening 173 and the arm 181 are aligned with the through passages 161 and 131, and in the assembled state, the free end of the arm 181 passes through them.

  In the inoperative state with the actuator 180 fully assembled, the base 182 is seated on the seal gasket 160, as can be seen in FIGS. As will be described in detail below, as can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the actuator 180 is pulled out of the cover 170, ie, in the opposite direction to the coupling direction MD, to a second position, ie lifted. Thus, the actuator 180 is actuated.

  Therefore, in order to avoid undesired operation, the base 182 is supported in the opening 173 so that the upper surface of the base 182 is flush with the upper surface of the cover 170 when the actuator 180 is not assembled. preferable. However, in order to easily actuate the actuator 180, the opening 173 and / or the actuator 180 may provide a means for allowing a tool such as a wrench or a human finger to be easily accessible for actuation. It is configured. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawing of the squib connector 100 of the present invention, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1 and 3, two protrusions 175 are formed on the upper surface of the cover 170, and these protrusions An opening 173 is defined therebetween. When the actuator 180 is not assembled, both ends of the joint base 182 where the cantilever arm 181 extends are seated on the protrusion 175, and the snap-fitting means 183 formed at both ends protrudes for positioning. Interacts with complementary means in section 175. The protrusion 175 of the cover 170 is configured to provide an outer surface portion of the cover that is flush with the outer surface of the base 182 while the separating means 180 is in the first position, i.e., the inoperative position, in the connector housing. ing. Thus, means are provided that allow a human finger to be easily accessed for actuation. Further, on the side opposite the outer surface of the base 182, that is, inside the base facing the opening, a notch 184 is formed in the base 182, and at least one of the cover noses 174 is in the opening 173. It protrudes slightly. In the inoperative position where the actuator 180 is inserted into the connector 100, the base notch 184 sits on the nose 174, and means for allowing a tool such as a wrench to be easily accessed for actuation. Provided.

  The two cantilevered lock arms 134 of the insert connector housing 130 are complementary to the squib connector 100 in a one-step coupling process that biases the squib connector 100 onto or into the complementary squib holder 200 to a fully coupled state. When a fully connected state with the mechanical squib holder 200 is achieved, this state is automatically fixed, that is, locked.

  Therefore, a locking means 135 extending perpendicularly to the coupling axis MA is formed at the free end of each cantilever lock arm 134 extending in the coupling direction MD. The squib holder 200 is sized and positioned so as to engage with and engage with the complementary locking means 211 when fully coupled with the complementary locking means 211 of the squib holder 200 and alignment. Has been. Due to the cantilever configuration, the lock arm 134 provides a recovery force and is elastically curved when a force is applied in a direction substantially opposite to the engagement direction of the locking means 135.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG, especially as can be seen from Figure 4-9, the free end of each cantilever locking arm 134, as a locking means extending substantially radially outwardly relative to the coupling axis MA The locking projection 135 is formed. The locking protrusion 135 is sized and arranged so as to engage with the complementary locking groove 211 when completely coupled with the complementary locking groove 211 as a complementary locking means of the squib holder 200. Although fixed and aligned, this connection is made simply by integrating the squib connector 100 and the squib holder 200.

As a result, the free end of the lock arm 134 before the squib connector 100 is locked in a completely coupled state squib holder 200 must be moved in a direction opposite to the extending direction of Kakaritome突electromotive 135. This is coupled as a force in the corresponding direction during the process by complementary squib holder 200 is generated, it determines the size and arrangement of the locking arm 134 and Kakaritome突force 135 in the squib connector 100 aligned Is achieved by doing

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the coupling axis of the squib connector 100 prior to full coupling with the complementary squib holder 200, and the squib connector actuator 180 for separation is in a first position, i.e., inoperative. Indicates the state in position.

According to the embodiment, the locking arm 134 and Kakaritome突force 135 is sized and positioned such Kakaritome突force 135 abuts axially mating shaped portion 210 of the squib holder 200 during the bonding process The complementary locking groove 211 is formed at a position away from the contact point by a specific axial distance in the coupling direction MD. Kakaritome突at least one is of the electromotive force 135 and mating shaped portion 210, the inclined abutment surface angle of 0 to 90 degrees is attached to the binding axis MA is formed. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the mating shape part 210 provides such an inclined surface 212. However, instead of or in addition to this, for example, it is possible to configure the lower surface of the Kakaritome突force 135 as such inclined contact surface.

However, since the lock arm 134 has a flexible resilient, Kakaritome突free end having a raised 135, radially inward by only further promoting the integration of the squib connector 100 and the squib holder 200, i.e., engaged the extending direction of Tome突force 135 can be urged in the opposite direction, Kakaritome突force 135 Technical passes through the mating shaped portion 210, squib proceed along the lock arm 134 is further coupled direction MD holder entering a complementary locking groove 211 of the 200. Therefore, the lock arm 134 is opened again. Because the locking arm 134 engages a complementary locking groove 211, because is held in a complementary locking groove.

  Thus, the mating portion 210 defines a type of hook with the groove 211 and the free end of the lock arm defines a type of complementary hook with the locking projection 135.

  Thus, in a one-step coupling process, the lock arm 134 is placed under mechanical stress on the squib header until the squib connector 100 is fully locked on the squib header in the final position. As a result, since the generated force is directed not only in the radial direction but also in the anti-bonding direction, the squib connector 100 will be ejected if the lock is not complete.

  However, it is also possible to provide a groove extending inward in the radial direction at the free end of the lock arm to form a complementary locking projection on the squib holder.

  Preferably, at least two locking arms 134 configured to lock the fully coupled state are positioned on both sides of the insert connector housing to avoid unintentional misalignment in the locked position.

  In order to avoid undesired separation between the squib connector 100 and the squib holder 200 in a fully coupled state, each of the lock arm locking projections 135 is formed with an upper surface 136, and the complementary locking groove 211 includes A surface 213 is formed opposite the surface 136 during interengagement. Upper surface 136 and surface 213 are formed to provide a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the coupling axis, at least during interengagement, and is configured to prevent axial separation.

  As a result, in order to separate the squib connector 100 and the squib holder 200 from each other, before releasing the state where the squib connector 100 is completely coupled to the squib holder 200, the lock arm 134 is engaged with the locking protrusion 135. It must move again in the opposite direction to the direction of extension.

  This is accomplished by actuating the actuator 180 to cause the lock arm 134 to bend inward again and disengage the locking protrusion 135 from the recess or groove 211. A preferred separation mechanism between the actuator 180 and the lock arm 134 will now be described.

  The mechanism includes complementary interaction cam means between each of the lock arms 134 and a corresponding actuator arm 181. The means is in the first position of the actuator, i.e. in the inoperative position, during the integration process of the squib connector 100 and the squib holder 200 (FIG. 7) and in a complete and secure connection (FIGS. 4 and 8). Although in a loosely engaged state, the second position for separating the squib connector 100 from the squib holder 200, that is, the operating position (FIGS. 5, 6 and 9) is in a fully engaged state.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 4 to 9, each actuator arm 181 is supported in the squib connector housing so as to act on the corresponding lock arm from the side opposite to the squib holder region 211 when integrated. Each actuator arm 181 extends in the coupling direction MD longer than the lock arm 134. A kind of V-shaped notch 185 is formed at the free end of the actuator arm 181, and the V-shape opens in the direction opposite to the coupling direction MD. At the free end of the lock arm 134, a wedge-shaped portion 137 is formed in addition to the locking projection 135, and the apex thereof is aligned with the V-shaped notch 185 while facing the coupling direction MD. Is in the inoperative position (FIGS. 4, 7 and 8), the position is shifted radially outward with respect to the notch 185. The dimensions of the actuator arm 181 and the lock arm 134 are configured so as to be loosely engaged with each other by the V-shaped notch 185 and the wedge- shaped portion 137 substantially without affecting each other.

When the actuator 180 is pulled as described above, the V-shaped notch 185 and the wedge 137 change from a loose engagement state to an engagement state that affects each other. That is, as can be seen from FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, the wedge 137 is received in V-notch 185 pulling the free end of the lock arm 134 radially inwardly, Kakaritome突force 135 complementary locking groove 211 drawn from, Kakaritome突force 135 will be able to pass through the mating shaped portion 210 as a specific area of the squib holder 200. Since the opened wedge 137 and the V-shaped notch 185 are slightly shifted from each other, when the wedge 137 is received deeper in the V-shaped notch 185, the lock arm 134 is pulled inwardly in the radial direction. Thus, the actuator can move through the squib connector housing up to the second position, and then lift the entire squib connector to pull the actuator 180, i.e. perform the entire separation process by simply operating. Can do.

  In order to prevent the lock arm 134 from being tilted when the actuator is operated, a wedge 137 and a V-shaped notch 185 are preferably formed on each side of the lock arm.

Furthermore, the free end of the actuator arm 181 has an elongated projection 186 extending in the coupling direction MD, and the size of the projection 186 is squib in a complete and secure coupling state, as best seen in FIG. The spring-type shunt means 300 supported in the holder 200 is bent to move the shunt means 300 so that the contact with the corresponding header contact terminal 400 is cut off. Thus, when the actuator 180 is actuated to separate the squib connector 100 and the squib holder, i.e., slightly pulled out of the cover 170, at the same time, the protrusion 186 retracts from the shunt means 300, as best seen in FIG. The shunt means again comes into contact with the header contact terminal 400 and short-circuits a predetermined region.

As a result, during the coupling process, the two header contact terminals 400 of the squib holder 200 are short-circuited by the spring-loaded shunt means 300 until the squib connector is completely and securely locked. However, electrical contact between the header contact terminal 400 and the two co Ntakuto terminal 141 is achieved before the complete locking position. Further, as described above, before during header contact terminal 400 and the two co Ntakuto terminals 141 in electrical contact, the ground terminal 142 of the squib connector already squib holder corresponding shunt hand stage 3 50 and permanent In electrical contact. This is specifically from FIGS. 10a and 10b, which show the initial stage of the joining process from two different directions, and FIGS. 11a and 11b, which show the final stage of the joining process, from two different directions. I understand. That is, in the initial stage as shown in figure, between the ground terminal 142 and a header ground terminal 350 is in electrical contact, between the header contact terminal 400 and the co Ntakuto terminal 141 is not in electrical contact . In the final step, as shown in the figures, also between the ground terminal 142 and a header ground terminal 350 is also in electrical contact between the header contact terminal 400 and the co Ntakuto terminal 141.

In addition, by the operation of the actuator 180, the header contact terminal 400 of the squib holder is short-circuited very early. This is before the contact terminal 140 is disconnected from the header Dako Ntakuto terminal 400, the protrusion 186 is because release the spring-loaded shunt means 300. Further, the preferred configuration of the squib connector ground terminal 142 prior to disconnecting permanent electrical contact between the squib connector ground terminal 142 and a corresponding shunt means portion (not shown) of the squib holder. Te, the contact terminal 140 is disconnected completely from the header Dako Ntakuto terminal 400.

Moreover, as can be seen from Figure 2, the front surface of the insert connector housing 130, i.e., coupling surfaces have with corresponding galling prevention surface of the insert connector housing 130 'Bullet nose "shaped. More specifically, the passage for accommodating the header contact terminal 400 that is electrically connected to the contact terminal 141 of the squib connector has a chamfered inner fitting for guiding the header contact terminal 400 to the passage ( ）) A mating surface, preferably a hemispherical drift insertion opening 138 is provided. This prevents damage to the header contact terminal 400 of the squib holder 200 during the joining process.

1 is an exploded view of a preferred squib connector incorporating the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a view showing the squib connector of FIG. 1 as seen from the coupling surface in a state where the squib connector components are assembled with each other. Figure 3 shows the squib connector of Figure 2 coupled with a complementary squib holder. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the coupling axis of a squib connector locked in a fully coupled and secured state with a complementary squib holder, the separating means for separating the squib connector, i.e. the actuator, in a first position, i.e. Indicates the inoperative position. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, but the squib connector actuator is pulled out to a second position, i.e., an actuated position, to disengage the locking means to separate the squib connector from the squib holder. Indicates. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but shows a state where the squib connector is further lifted to the separation position by further pulling out the actuator. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the coupling axis of the squib connector before fully coupling with the complementary squib holder, and the separating means of the squib connector for separation, i.e., the actuator, is in the first position, i.e., the inoperative position. Indicates a certain state. FIG. 5 is a more detailed cross-sectional view showing the interaction relationship between the separating means and the locking means when the connector is in a fully coupled state and the actuator is in an inoperative state. The interaction relationship between the separating means and the locking means when the connector is in a fully coupled state and the actuator is in an operative position to disengage the locking means to separate the squib connector from the squib holder. It is a more detailed sectional view shown. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view along the coupling axis of the squib connector in the initial stage of the coupling process with the complementary squib holder. FIG. 10a is a partial cross-sectional view along the coupling axis of the squib connector in the initial stage of the coupling process with the complementary squib holder, and FIG. 10a shows a state viewed from a slightly different angular position rotated about the coupling axis. FIG. 10b is a partial cross-sectional view along the coupling axis of the squib connector in the final stage of the coupling process with the complementary squib holder, showing the state viewed from the same direction as FIG. 10a. FIG. 10b is a partial cross-sectional view along the coupling axis of the squib connector in the final stage of the coupling process with the complementary squib holder, showing the state viewed from the same direction as FIG. 10b.

Claims (28)

A connection system between a squib connector and a complementary squib holder,
Having one locking means and one separating means;
The locking means is configured to be automatically actuated by integrating the squib connector with the squib holder to automatically and securely lock the squib connector and the squib holder in a completely coupled state. Configured to be deactivated by selective activation of the separating means required to separate the squib holder from
The locking means includes at least one lock arm with locking means, the locking means being sized and arranged to engage with complementary locking means of a squib holder,
It said separating means, the actuator comprises a cantilever arm, and, seen including complementary interaction cam means that is provided between the cantilever arm of the with each of the locking arm actuator,
The squib holder has shunt means for short-circuiting a plurality of header contact terminals attached in the squib holder,
The separating means and the locking means are in a state in which the locking means is securely locked, and are in an interactive relationship that renders the shunt means inoperative in the non-shorted position when the separating means is inoperative. Connection system characterized by. The separation means and the shunt means are configured to immediately move the shunt means from the non-short-circuit position to the short-circuit position in accordance with the operation of the separation means, and the actuator is operated to separate the squib connector and the squib holder. If, elongated projection having the cantilever arm of the actuator is retracted from the shunt means, said shunt means for short-circuiting the header contact terminals are in contact again header contact terminal, connection system according to claim 1. The squib connector has at least one ground terminal, which is connected to the shunt means of the squib holder before the contact terminal of the squib connector is connected to the header contact terminal of the squib holder in the coupling process; While the squib connector and the squib holder are coupled to each other, the shunt means is connected to the shunt means, and only after the complementary contact terminals and header contact terminals of the squib connector and squib holder are separated from each other. connection system according is configured, in claim 1 or 2 as disconnected from. The squib connector has a housing that defines a coupling axis, a coupling direction, and a coupling surface;
The locking means has at least one locking arm with locking means, the locking means being relative to the complementary locking means provided by a particular region of the squib holder and to the coupling shaft Configured to engage in a vertical direction,
Each of the lock arms is attached to the housing in a cantilever manner, extends in the coupling direction, and is resiliently bent by a force applied in a direction substantially opposite to the engagement direction of the locking means. Provide
Each of the lock arms is aligned with a specific region of the squib holder in order to abut the specific region of the squib holder in the axial direction when the squib connector and the squib holder are integrated. A sloped abutment surface is defined between a specific region and a squib connector and a squib holder so that a force in a direction opposite to the engaging direction of the locking means is generated when the squib connector and the squib holder are integrated, at least partially it is configured to be opened, the connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 when the the stop means engaged with complete coupling state. The separating means is supported in the housing and is movable in the axial direction from the first position to the second position in the direction opposite to the coupling direction from the outside of the housing.
Complementary interaction cam means are provided between each of the lock arms and the separation means, the complementary interaction cam means when the separation means moves from the first position to the second position. 5. The connection system according to claim 4 , wherein a force in a direction opposite to an engagement direction of the locking means is applied to the lock arm to remove the locking means from the complementary locking means. 6. A connection system according to claim 5 , wherein the complementary interaction cam means is loosely engaged in the first position and fully engaged in the second position. Each of the locking means of the lock arm and the complementary locking means is formed with surfaces configured to prevent axial separation, each of these surfaces being flat, and at least the locking means The connection system according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , which is disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the coupling axis when the complementary locking means are engaged with each other. The connection system according to claim 4 , wherein each of the locking means and the complementary locking means of the lock arm is formed in a hook shape. The locking means of the lock arm is formed in a male shape extending radially outward at the free end of the lock arm, and by integration, first receives mechanical stress from a specific region of the squib holder. 9. The connection system according to any one of claims 4 to 8 , wherein the connection system is configured to be held by the complementary locking means including a female groove. The separation means includes a separation arm corresponding to each of the lock arms, and the complementary interaction cam means is provided between each of the lock arms and the corresponding separation arm. The connection system according to any one of 4 to 9 . Each of the separation arms is connected to a bar means, the bar means being substantially aligned with the outer surface of the squib connector opposite the coupling surface in the first position and approaching for operation of the bar means. The connection system according to claim 5 , wherein: The separation means has shunt deactivation means, the shunt deactivation means being attached to the squib holder when the separation means is in the first position and in the fully coupled state. and it is configured to press the elastic shorting contact portion of the connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Wherein the coupling surface, galling preventing binding surface for the header contact terminals of the squib holder is electrically coupled to a complementary contact terminals of the squib connector corresponding is provided, any one of claims 4 to 12 The connection system according to item 1. The coupling surface has a receptacle for each of the header contact terminals of the squib holder, the receptacle having a hemispherical drift insertion opening for guiding the header contact terminal of the squib holder to the receptacle. 14. The connection system according to 13 . A configured squib connector for use in connecting system according to any one of claims 1-14, squib connector having a housing defining a coupling surface and the coupling direction and the coupling shaft. At least one lock arm attached to the housing in a cantilever manner and extending in a coupling direction, and providing a recovery force to bend elastically by a force applied substantially radially inward with respect to the coupling axis A locking arm to
Separating means supported in the housing, wherein the separating means is movable in the axial direction from the first position to the second position in a direction opposite to the coupling direction from the outside with respect to the housing. And
Each of the locking arms has a locking means which is secured radially outwardly with the complementary locking means of the squib holder when the squib connector and the squib holder connector are fully coupled to each other. Is configured to engage
Each of the locking arms automatically receives the radially inward force when the squib connector and squib holder are integrated, and is at least partially opened when in the fully coupled state. The locking arm locking means and the squib holder complementary locking means are configured to automatically engage each other;
Complementary interaction cam means are provided between each of the lock arms and the separating means, the complementary interaction cam means moving the separating means from the first position to the second position. 16. The squib connector according to claim 15 , wherein the radially inward force is sometimes applied to the lock arm to disengage the locking arm locking means in the fully coupled state. Each of the cam means is provided with a V-shaped notch formed in the separating means and a kind of wedge formed in the lock arm, and the V-shaped notch opens in a direction opposite to the coupling direction. The squib connector according to claim 16 , wherein the apex of the wedge is oriented in a coupling direction. The notch and the wedge are loosely engaged in the first position, and the wedge is offset radially outward from the notch in the first position. Item 20. The squib connector according to Item 17 . Each of the lock arms abuts against a specific region of the squib holder having the complementary locking means in an axial direction, and at least one slope between the lock arm and the specific region of the squib holder The squib connector according to any one of claims 15 to 18 , which is configured to form a contact surface. The locking means of the lock arm is formed with a surface configured to prevent axial separation when the locking device and the complementary locking device are engaged with each other. 20. A squib connector as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 configured to provide a surface substantially perpendicular to the coupling axis when the locking means and the complementary locking means are interengaged. . The separating means is in the first position and in the fully coupled state so as to deactivate the elastic shorting contact portion of the shunt means attached to the complementary squib holder. 21. A squib connector according to any one of claims 16 to 20 having at least one protrusion configured to push at least the shorting contact portion. The separating means includes a separating arm corresponding to each of the locking arms, the separating arm comprising a corresponding one of the protrusions configured to push a corresponding one elastic shorting contact portion. The squib connector according to claim 21 . 23. A squib connector according to any one of claims 15 to 22 , wherein the housing provides an anti-galling coupling surface for a header contact terminal of a squib holder that is electrically coupled to a contact terminal of a corresponding squib connector. . The coupling surface has a receptacle for each of the header contact terminals of the squib holder, the receptacle having a hemispherical drift insertion opening for guiding the header contact terminal of the squib holder to the receptacle. 23. The squib connector according to 23 . Having at least one ground terminal dimensioned to be permanently contacted with the shunt means of the squib holder before the complementary contact terminals and header contact terminals of the squib connector and squib holder are combined. The squib connector according to claim 23 or 24 . 26. A squib connector according to any one of claims 15 to 25 , further comprising sealing means incorporated into the squib connector for sealing the interior. 27. A squib connector according to claim 26 , wherein the sealing means is at least one sealing gasket disposed within the housing and / or a silicone gel injected or incorporated into the housing. 28. A squib connector according to any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein a circular gasket is attached to the mating surface of the housing to seal the joint between the housing and a complementary squib holder.

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